Toxic releases up in Michigan

April 10, 2007

LANSING (AP) -- Industry released nearly 102 million pounds of toxic chemicals into Michigan's air, land and water in 2005, up 4 percent from the previous year, according to a review of federal figures. That included 52.6 million pounds of chemicals into the air, up 9 percent from 2004, according to the review of Toxic Release Inventory figures published Sunday by Booth News Service. Numbers for 2005 were released last month. "You usually find the same companies up near the top of the list every year," said Ruth Borgelt, TRI coordinator for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. "It's utilities, auto factories and steel mills because of what they produce and the size of their plants." The top 10 in Michigan for 2005 included six power plants, two steel companies, one concrete manufacturer and another waste management operation. Those accounted for 55.5 million pounds of toxic releases and disposals. DTE Energy Co.' s Monroe power plant ranked first in the state, with releases topping 14 million pounds in 2005. DTE says the emissions are in direct relation to the size of its operation. "It's one of the largest in the country and definitely the largest in the state," spokesman John Austerberry said. Environmentalists say a new approach is needed to energy production and manufacturing that protects both the environment and the economy. The Environmental Protection Agency tracks and compiles data annually on toxic chemicals released, discharged and recycled. About 900 facilities in Michigan report to the EPA for the inventory.